Well i just got this truck yesterday for $1600. It is a 1996 dodge ram sport 1500 4x4 with the 318 auto trans. The problems i am having with it is a flickering 4x4 light when going down the road, the heater vents switch from vent to defroster when i give the truck a little more fuel, the airbag light ls on, and the engine surges at idle. Im used to my old ford and not these new dodges. Thanks for all the help in advance.

 

You have a vacuum leak, check this thread out. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ild-vents.html

And do a search here on DF for plenum

 

ok, i will check for vac leaks tmrw another problem i have is my fuel guage doesent work and my low fuel light is on and i know the tank is full. Thanks.

 

The fuel gauge is another issue, most likely the sending unit on the fuel pump. But trace all the wires to the pump, and make sure none are broke and all ground wires are intact.

There is also a link I would like to give you for the 4x4 problem, but it seems that site is down right now.

 

4x4 light flashing and crazy vents could be related since they both use vacuum, I think I remember someone saying there was a line on the passenger side near the exhaust that can burn through and cause this

 

welcome to df.
4wd light is controlled by an electrical switch on the end of the cad, which is on the passenger side axle tube about halfway across. it has a 2 wire switch that closes when the cad fork slides over to connect the 2 piece front axle. your wiring or your switch or you vacuum is malfunctioning. start by disconnecting the electrical connector and cleaning the connector. its usually full of mud and possibly rust. if that doesn't fix it, look at the switch. if the spring inside is broken the contact ball will rattle around. new switch is under $20 at any parts store.

wild vents or changing vents is a vac leak. as said the cad also works on vac, and the lines under the truck are prone to damage. fix them for awhile, but after you get tired of fixing the cad, get a posilok cable system.
read this -
http://dodgeram.org/tech/repair/4X4/4x4_engagment.htm
(uh-oh, this link is broken)
download the 01 service manual from the FAQ's.

rpm surge at idle is usually either the TPS or IAC. you can't search on 3 letter words so search on "idle".

 

My 360 was doin the surging idle, I bought the IAC motor and was going to replace it, instead I took the old one out and cleaned it with some carb/choke cleaner. Never had a problem since. (Knock on wood)